Volunteer

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Below is a testimonial from former international volunteer Elizabeth Lanham who led a trip to NPH Guatemala this past summer! Enjoy!

The most important thing for me when I left Guatemala, after working for a year in the medical clinic, was to stay connected. So when NPH USA approached me about leading a trip with a group of high-schoolers out of Boston this past July, I immediately said yes. I knew I wanted to share the beauty and preciousness of the children at NPH with as many people as I could, but little did I know what a beautiful experience I was in for by bringing these two groups together!

The teenagers came equipped with activities and age-appropriate games to play with the children of NPH. Several of them had studied Spanish and they were all eager to jump right in and get to know the kids. We were handed a schedule our first day which had us sharing meals, playing games with the kids, and participating in their daily routine. We were also given tasks such as weeding out the garden and working in the kitchen. One day we even made a trip to an outlying school in a pueblo to bring food, school supplies and piñatas: extending the generosity of NPH beyond its own borders to neighboring communities.

What makes a difference for those who come to visit NPH is a willingness to engage in all that the children do and experience. For instance, whether you like the food or not, you eat it. Whether you want to go to church or not, you go and participate. Whether you want to do your chores or not, you give your best effort. And whether you are shy or not, you still smile, approach each other and accept each other for who you are with appreciation.

Having worked at the foundation, for me the entire trip was like coming home. The hugs, the greetings and the genuine smiles filled my heart to the brim. I love those kids and I love even more seeing others fall in love with them too.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Over the past month, we have been delighted to welcome the 7th annual cohort of the NPH Seattle Institute to the Northwest. The six talented young leaders chosen for the program this year are warm, thoughtful, and dedicated to giving back. They have been adjusting well to living with their homestay families, and have started intensive English classes at Seattle Central College. Northwest staff, regional Board members, Associate Board members, and international volunteers have all had the opportunity to meet the students at various events, including visiting the pumpkin patch, weekend BBQs, and a welcome gathering up on Whidbey Island. Please join us at the NPH USA Northwest Gala on November 4th to meet the students! You can also follow their progress on the Seattle Institute blog or on the Seattle Institute Facebook page. Meanwhile, we wanted to share these bios of the new students with you. Bienvenidos!

Class of 2017 – 2018

…

Ever, Bolivia

Ever is our first Bolivian participant in the Seattle Institute. He already has numerous experience in cross-cultural interaction and transition since he just finished his second year studying Industrial Engineering in Monterrey, Mexico. While he was in Bolivia, he spent four years assisting youth from two different age groups in their leadership and youth development programs. When asked about why he wants to come to Seattle, he replied, “I wanted to come to Seattle to experience growth as an adult. I want to develop my professional and personal skills to keep serving my NPH family, which is what Fr. Wasson wanted all of us to do.”

…

Darlyn, Guatemala

Darlyn arrived in Seattle having just graduated with two degrees in Physical and Occupational Therapy. She is passionate about women’s leadership and access to healthcare. Darlyn also participated in an iLeap Global Leaders session two years ago. When asked about what leadership is, she responded, “I believe that leadership is inspiring others through my actions towards other people. To lead isn’t only directing, but it means we have to work together to make sure that our world is easier, rather than harder, and equal.” She hopes to continue her support of NPH as a Physical Therapist upon her return to Guatemala.

…

Farid, Honduras

Farid hopes “to learn more about servant leadership and continue to grow into my full potential as an NPH leader.” He is bilingual in Spanish and Hatian Creole and in his final years of obtaining his degree in Psychology from the national public Honduran university. Farid brings a diverse background to his experience in Seattle, including a one-year long internship in Haiti at the NPH home, working as a religion teacher in NPH Honduras, and participation in four youth leadership conferences. “I can’t wait to experience all that I will in Seattle! I’m excited to learn about leadership, myself, English, and be in my homestay,” he says. “This experience will help me work better and smarter for our NPH family.”

…

Maria, Honduras

Maria became involved in leadership when she joined the “Youth in Action” group in Honduras. She hopes that Seattle will push her out of her comfort zone and into new personal growth. Maria is studying education, with the goal of imagining what improved education systems would look like in Honduras. She is a globally minded leader devoted to youth development and women’s leadership. She says, “I believe that being a leader means being responsible for that actions that you are making. It means taking initiative to start and continue something that no one else can. It means being an example for others, working in a team and being willing to learn from your mistakes. A leader should be inclusive and creative, not just someone who orders others around.”

…

Darich, Nicaragua

Darich is entering his final year of university studying Business Administration and he will complete his degree upon returning to Nicaragua. As the coordinator of the youth leadership group of NPH Nicaragua, he brings his unique experience to the cohort. Darich knows that the program will be challenging, but he is excited for the challenges and opportunities. “I wanted to come to Seattle to participate in a program that will help me grow as a person, opening doors to opportunities both professionally and personally. This program will give me the skills to confront challenging situations, make important decisions, and make me more cross-culturally competent.”

…

Yomara, Nicaragua

Yomara just graduated with a degree in English Education. She has participated in four different international youth leadership conferences and has assisted in different leadership groups in the Nicaragua home. Yomara says that she is a leader that acts from faith and love. “My main goal for Seattle is to prepare me better as a leader so that I can serve my family and my country,” she says. I want to help improve education systems so that we empower our youth and young adults so that they have the opportunity to be responsible men and women who always fight to achieve their goals.” Yomara is excited to learn more about leadership and eventually return to the NPH Nicaragua home to teach English.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Below is a testimonial from Lorraine Riedl in our Mid-Atlantic/Northeast Region who recently visited NPH Guatemala!

Amazing! That's how my seven year old granddaughter, Magnolia, described her stay at Casa San Andres, the NPH home in Parramos, Guatemala.

July 24th through July 28th, my son, granddaughter, a friend and I travelled to Guatemala to visit the children that we sponsor. Although it wasn't my first trip to an NPH home, or my first trip to Casa San Andres, it was as exciting as if it were.

There's an immediate connection with the children and staff that makes you part of the family. My granddaughter and her godsister were inseparable, and she enjoyed playing and spending time with all the children. It was fun for the adults, too. I fell in love with a 6 year old lovely little girl, a kitten lover, who I am now sponsoring in addition to the goddaughter I went to visit.

Everyone at the NPH homes receives a first rate education. They are also given the opportunity to learn a trade, such as baking, cooking, woodworking, or welding, to name a few. Sports are also a big part of their daily lives. They are nurtured physically, mentally and spiritually.

I return from each trip energized. It's so easy to sing the praises of NPH and all they do to improve the lives of the children in their care. Because of those who sponsor children, volunteer and dedicate their time, and share their love and knowledge with the children, those young people have the opportunity to achieve a bright future.

Please visit your godchild, or visit an NPH home and sponsor a child while there, and discover the miracles that NPH, with your help, can perform.

Monday, September 18, 2017

Introduction note
from Steve Schmidt, Development Manager, Upper Midwest Office:The following benefactor story
comes to us from a sibling of the Konz Family, Ms. Judith Koeppler.When I first reached out to Ms. Koeppler I
asked how she first became involved with NPH and she shared one of the most
beautiful stories of family-philanthropy I have heard to date.To honor her parents and her family I said I
would follow-up with a few photos from NPH.In the picture, I had the honor of presenting Ms. Koeppler and the
Konz Family with this photo book.In this
article Ms. Koeppler tells that story of their family-philanthropy and how the
joy of philanthropy continues to be passed down in her family, generation to
generation, benefitting organizations like NPH.Please enjoy this wonderful story!

Written by Judith Koeppler on behalf of the Konz Family:When you think of a family tradition, especially during the
Christmas holidays, you think of eating, celebrating, trees, lights and togetherness.
Our family has added a new tradition and that is philanthropy.

It all started with Anne and Larry Konz and their strong
commitment to their Catholic faith, Catholic education and their love of
travel. They traveled all over the world, but their favorite country was
Mexico. They loved the countryside, the people and the culture. Prior to one of
their trips in the late 1950’s, Father Ray Zagorski, a priest at their church
in Appleton, WI, told them about Father Wasson and the orphanage that he
established. They made plans to meet him and see the orphanage. As always, they
brought a couple of duffel bags full of clothes to give to the children. They
were impressed and stayed in the local village to learn more about Father
Wasson’s vision and decided that they like the philosophy he embodied for the
families of the children. All children from one family would never be
separated. All of the children were educated and worked on the farmland to help
produce food and embrace communal living.

The Konz family quickly grew to a family with nine children.
The entire family learned from early on that you cherish your family and bring
sunshine to those less fortunate. It can be a smile, a bouquet of flowers or a
home cooked meal.

The meeting of Father Wasson and the children started a
friendship that lasted for years. Anne and Larry sponsored one little boy for
years who finally graduated from College. Judie and Maribeth, two of their
kids, were fortunate to meet this young man in Mexico City in 1980. He was all
smiles and so very grateful for the opportunities the Konz’s made possible for
him. How proud they were to meet him.

Anne Konz passed away in 2001 and in memory of her giving
spirit, the family established the Granny Annie Fund through the Oshkosh Area
Community Foundation. Anne embraced philanthropy in a simple way – with
“heart”. A women of profound faith, she always considered others before
herself. Her authentic concern for humanity continues to thrive in the extended
Konz families. Donations are made throughout the year by family and friends.
Every Christmas Eve they gather together and collectively discuss charitable
opportunities and decide worthy programs to fund. Anne’s giving spirit was
quietly contagious and is now embodied in the hearts of three generations that
follow in her legacy. Her favorite NPH, quickly has become everyone’s favorite
because of what it meant to her and Larry. Their philanthropic spirit has
spread through the generations.

As the families gather together this Christmas Eve they will
decide on her behalf where the dollars generated from her fund will benefit.
They will capture the true meaning of what it feels like to give.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Below is a reflection written by our very own Ross Egge, Development Manager in the Northwest NPH USA office about his recent trip to the NPH home in Guatemala!!

This past July, I had the extraordinary opportunity to travel to our home in Guatemala with a group of amazing people from the NPH Northwest community. Though NPH has been part of my life for many years, I am never more inspired and continually impressed with the work and dedication being afforded to these children and communities then when seeing it and sharing it with others. For many in our group, it was the first trip to an NPH home, for others it was a long-awaited return, for everyone it was an experience to remember, and an impactful reminder of the positive change we get to be part of with the NPH family.

The children, so loving, so fun, so very much children being children. It was so fun to see some of the godchildren meeting their sponsors from the Northwest for the first time. Some on our trip have made trip down many times and were able to relish in how their godchildren have grown, and catch up with the children and staff they have built relationships with over the years.

Where the full weight of what this trip was for me and for those in our group cannot be shared in words or pictures, the love shared among our group and with the children and staff of NPH Guatemala is fully present for all of us upon our return as we attempt to transfer the intangibles of what we experienced to our daily lives, making better a world so desperate for healing, and seeking new ways to support and encourage the beautiful children of our NPH family. I want to thank all our participants for joining us on this journey and for being an inspiration to me in the way you became family, not only to the children of NPH, but to one another. That is truly the power of being in a place so fully infused with love for others. Thank you!

Below is a reflection written by NW supporter Lisa Casterella about her recent visit to the NPH home in Nicaragua!

Jumping rope, learning new soccer moves, eating Gallo Pinto, playing with toy cars and just being with the pequeños (Spanish for “little ones”) are some of the images that I associate with my stay at NPH Nicaragua.

This large campus which houses 300+ children along with 190 dedicated staff is found in the lush green setting of SW Nicaragua. 16 cinder block homes, a large covered outdoor auditorium, soccer field and cement play area became a part of our daily routine for the time that our Seattle youth group spent in rural Jinotepe.

While many of the NPH students were away on break during our stay, we had the unique opportunity to bond with the children and NPH University students who remained. The adult visitors became “Mama” and “Papa” to little girls dressed up like princesses and boys who loved soccer and card games. Laughing at our attempts at Spanish, the pequeños were eager share their food if they thought we needed more. One day I “accidentally” dropped a piece of cheese to feed to a hungry dog at my feet. The little boy next to me offered me his piece without hesitation!

These beautiful children share toys and clothing. They eat and pray together in their respective homes. NPH is their family. Executive Director, Marlon Velazquez explains, “When a child comes to NPH, he is never made to feel like the new kid. I say to the other kids, ‘Victor, this is your sister Carla or your brother Manny.’” The children are now part of a big family which will nurture them with patience, compassion and education. Marlon continues, “I tell the children, if you see your brother or sister crying, you sit down and cry with them. They are your family.”

Joseph, a high school sophomore, understands that once you become a family, “You literally have to forgive and accept your family and that’s what they do at NPH.”

All of us plan to bring the spirit of NPH back home. Bennett, a high school junior who calls the trip “transformative,” vows to “love my friends and family unconditionally, especially my own brother who has always been there to protect me.” We left with a full heart, knowing the importance of our new family.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

NPH USA's first pilot laptop project was the result of a collaboration between Gilbert Classical Academy (GSA) and NPH sponsors, Teresa Ventoza from the SW region and Sarah McNary from the NW region. It was coordinated with and received enthusiastic support from Belinda Roda of the SW office.

It started with Teresa’s and Sarah’s idea of providing a laptop to second year service students headed to university and blossomed through a conversation at the Southwest Region’s NPH Gala. Mr. Erik Gilman, who teaches service learning to high school students at GSA, was sitting at a table with Teresa. Erik heard about the idea and suggested that this need could be a perfect match for a class project at GSA in partnership with Arizona State University’s (ASU) STEM service learning program. Four students from the junior class of GSA, under the direction of Mr. Gillman championed the project and decided to come up with a way of obtaining computers that could be refurbished for the students in the NPH home in Mexico.

The STEM service learning is a program sponsored by ASU. To qualify for the program, students find a project that helps a non-profit organization, write a proposal to obtain funds, and, once approved, work on completing it and delivering it to the organization. The GSA students enthusiastically embraced the project and did a wonderful job of refurbishing laptops and loading them with software tailored for the university-bound recipients. It truly was a labor of joy and connection across these two student populations that enriched both groups.

Six young women benefited from this initial collaboration and were overjoyed with this tangible support for furthering their education. While this was an initial pilot project, the need exists for more laptops to support other university-bound students and this presents an opportunity for future projects. For more information, contact Belinda Roda at broad@nphusa.org.

"It is truly a joy and a privilege to be part of the NPH family and to be able to encourage these remarkable young people to continue their education. My darling Goddaughter is one of the young women who received a computer and I know that she, as well as the other recipients, felt elated by this expression of support and confidence in them as they take this next important step in their education. Huge thanks and kudos to Erik Gillman and the students at Gilbert Classical Academy for making Teresa's and my concept a reality. It would be wonderful if we could build on this promising beginning." - Sarah McNary

"It was a privilege to be part of the link between two groups of young people who are doing what they can to make the world a better place. My hope is that this pilot computer program inspires other groups to reach out across borders to help each other." - Teresa Ventoza

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Below is reflection written by sponsor Isea Kelley after returning from a youth trip to NPH DR this April.

On the morning of April 14th, I arrived at the airport with my father and my close friend to head off on a weeklong service trip to NPH DR. Little did I know that the week ahead was going to change my life forever. When we arrived in the DR, we walked outside as a wave of heat hit us all, and with a sigh of relief we all secretly appreciated the warm weather we hadn’t experienced in months. We got on the bus and rode through the streets of San Pedro to the NPH home. This was the first time I had seen such poverty - there were families of five packed on small mopeds and cows eating garbage bags on the side of the road. About 20 minutes later we drove through the gates of NPH. We got off the bus, put our things in the visitor's house, and took a tour. Although it felt somewhat awkward at first to be in a new place with new people, I loved every minute of walking around the home with hot rain hitting my face.

The next morning we were eager to spend time with the kids! Upon arriving at the boy’s house a little boy wrapped himself around my legs and would not let go. He was playing on the ground with sticks and pulled me down by his side to play! I didn’t realize this at the time but this little boy, who I now sponsor, changed me forever. We spent the rest of the day building and flying kites together! It was eye opening to see the kindness and openness these boys, and all of the children at NPH, have for each other and for us as visitors.

During the week we helped out around the NPH home and in the batey. Singing classic Disney songs at the top of our lungs, we loaded giant sticks in a truck and mixed concrete. Working each day in the batey was a way for us to help and meet other children and adults. While we were mixing concrete, strangers would walk by and give us a cheerful “hola”. These small gestures at both the NPH home and in the batey filled my heart – as sharing a wave or a hello with a stranger in the states is rare. Never in my life had I had more fun, than when we made an assembly line passing heavy buckets of concrete to one another while listening to Spanish Pop music. The rest of the week, when we weren’t working, we spent time with the children. There was endless amounts of playing games, dancing, making kites, playing catch, and drawing. Although all of these things seem simple, the time we spent together with the children was so valuable and special.

As the week came to an end it was heartbreaking. Endless amounts of hugs were given all around and we had to say our final goodbyes. A few tears rolled down my cheek as I said goodbye to Jose (the boy I met on the first day), some were tears of joy and some of sadness. Joy because I was so incredibly thankful to have been given this opportunity and to meet such kind and amazing people, but sadness because I knew that I would have to wait so long to come back. My time at NPH DR was a time that I will cherish for the rest of my life, but I know that I will hopefully be able to go back sometime soon. This trip changed me for the better - without this trip I would have never realized the true joy that comes from giving back to others. I am extremely thankful for this experience, the children, the people I met, and the friends I made both in the DR and right here at home!

Monday, July 10, 2017

Below is reflection written by sponsor and Mid-Atlantic/Northeast Junior Board member Angel Deschamps after returning from her recent trip to NPH Dominican Republic.

I first travelled to the NPH Dominican Republic home on a school service trip over a year ago. I was afraid that my Spanish wasn’t good enough to develop relationships, but as soon a little boy came up and asked my name, all my worries went away. I learned that language barriers are something you can overcome, and quickly decided to sponsor this confident, mischievous little boy who had stolen my heart. I love that our relationship has been built on memories shared, and not stories told. When I returned this year, I was officially a sponsor, not just a visitor. Reunited with my godchild, we were excited to spend time together – eating lunch together and spending time in the park. My godchild seemed so proud that I was his madrina – sharing this with all his friends and caregivers – and I could not be happier to be sponsoring him!

NPH has given so much to me. What really strikes me is that the kids are so happy at NPH. I've now visited both the NPH Dominican and Honduran homes and have found that although the children may come from difficult backgrounds, they all still manage to smile and enjoy life. When I am at an NPH home my troubles fade and everything is put in perspective. The children are grateful to have a place to call home and to have people who care about them. There is a pure happiness and love at the NPH homes that lifts me up. I am now a member of the Junior Board in my region, proudly wear NPH bracelets, and tell anyone and everyone who will listen to me about my time at NPH. I do it in hopes to give back at least a little to the enormous gift NPH gave me. I'm extremely grateful to NPH and to my godchild who continues to show me what really matters in life.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

I am grateful for this opportunity to be in front of you. The people who make NPH possible, without knowing us, you have decided to be part of our life.

I would like to share a little of my story with you.

So, how did I arrive at NPH? One of the most impactful moments of my life was when my father abandoned us, and my mom died from cancer. I was 7 years old.

My sisters (Anahi) and (Lucero) and my brother, Christian, and I were left with my Aunt Victoria, who was a single mother. She already had 2 children, one who was disabled. I cannot imagine how hard it was for her to take care of all of us.

I remember the day when she told us about NPH—how it would be better for us there and that she would always support us. I was 8 years old, and I did not understand what was going on, but I was scared.

When I came to NPH with my sisters and brother, it was so different. There were so many children and the house was so big!

Time passed and things changed, and after a while, everything was great. I had many friends at school and we played every day. Sometimes, I wondered where my family was and why I was in NPH.

I just wanted to have my mother and father.

A “normal” family.

But then I realized that all the people that were around me at NPH, were now my family. They were the people with whom I share a story, share a life, and that no matter what our past is, we are now making a new story, together.

At NPH, I kept studying and after high school, we all give 2 years of service to say thank you to NPH before going to university. During my years of service, I took care of a group of 50 girls between 9 and 12 years old. It was really hard work – but during this time I learned that even though I was still young, if you act with love you will be an inspiration for others.

When I thought about the university, I had to decide what I wanted to do with my life.

Where did I want to go? What did I want to do? Archaeology? History? Administration…well, in the end, I chose Dentistry. But why? This is a good story…

One day when I was 17 years old, I did something wrong—though now I can’t remember what it was. As a result, I had to help the dentist at NPH in the mornings for one year. Although I did not like helping at first, I loved helping the dentist so much, that it became my dream to be a dentist.

I studied dentistry at the university in Monterrey in northern Mexico for 6 long years…and I graduated one year ago, right before I came to Seattle.

It was not easy, but I did it and now I am Dr. Mariela Jaime!

Now I am here in Seattle for the NPH Leadership Institute. Studying, growing as a person, being responsible, and trying to learn how to be a leader in my community. It is an experience that has allowed me to grow personally and professionally, and it has given me the opportunity to share with my brothers and sisters from other countries.

I have chosen to become an inspiration for my younger brothers and sisters, following the legacy of our beloved Fr. Wasson—who founded NPH. I am only a small part of the seeds that he planted and

I know he is proud of us all.

When I return to my country, a new stage will begin in my life, where I am going to face the world outside NPH. It scares me, but I know have the skills, values, and family to succeed.

I want to end by taking this opportunity to say thank you for believing in NPH, supporting me, and being part of my life. Thank you for helping to give us opportunity and education. NPH really transforms lives, and I am an example of that.

If you have any questions, feel free to talk to me or the other leadership students here. We would love to answer any questions you have.

Saturday, May 20, 2017

Below is a speech by Saravia, a young woman from NPH Honduras who is currently in the Seattle Leadership Institute and is goddaughter to our Northwest Regional Director, Katie Hultquist! Saravia gave this speech recently at a friend and fundraising event in Portland! Check it out!

Hi everyone! My name is Saravia and I am from
Honduras.I want to tell you a little
bit about my experience with NPH.

WHY
NPH?

When I was 8 years old, my mom died.Bad….
YES.But it really had no effect on
me.She had not been in the picture in
years, because she had gone to the United States.In the U.S. she had another daughter, and
only returned to see me and my sister a few times each year. My Father was not around either, at least not
yet, not until I turned 16.

I was raised by my stepfather, then my aunt Emoly.When Emoly died, my grandmother came down
from the United States to take care of me, my sister Maria and 2 cousins, Allan
and Johana.

Eventually, my grandmother returned to the United States
to take care of my younger sister.

Now, all my family lives in the US, except for the 4 of
us.

After my grandmother left, the government stepped in and
placed us in NPH.

I was 12 at the time.

NPH…, Not my
family.

At first, NPH looked like a place to take advantage
of.Anything and everything I could put
to my use was for me.

However, this attitude I had eventually drove me to
escape.This place was way too
confining, too many rules.So I finally… ran away.

Lucky for me my father took me in for a couple months.I did anything and everything I wanted.No rules.That is what I thought I wanted.

Now I was truly on my own, and I thought this was good –
being free. No studying, No responsibilities.Awesome.

But the reality was different. Sometimes freedom meant danger, and sometimes it meant there was no direction and no opportunity.

One day I woke up and I asked myself, what am I doing with my life?Is
this it?

No, I needed more.

I
wanted more.

Those 4 years being at NPH DID change me.

I’ve seen what you can achieve.

There
is a lot more to life.

I picked up the phone and called a social worker at NPH.

They told me I could return to NPH if I spoke with the
directors of the house. Not just the National Director of Honduras, but also
the directors of all the boys’ and girls’ houses.

Lucky
for me, they took me back.

I am thankful that I had the guts to call that social worker and ask to come back.

From that day forward, I changed.

I started attending leadership meetings. My house, Hijas
del Pilar, ended up choosing me to represent them at these meetings.

But…,
it’s not the way you would think.

I was chosen because I represented something different.

I had run away.

I was a taker.

I was a negative
leader.

Now there’s a term for you, a negative leader.

How did I feel about this?

At first I was disappointed.Then I realized this was the person all my brothers and sisters knew.

They did not know the NEW… me.They could not
relate to me, but I would let them know through my actions and my words that I had
changed.

That I was one of them.

That I belonged.

That this was my family and my home.

Sure, I had my biological family, but now NPH was my
family also.

The leadership group changed me.

I started to look at life differently.

I began to take on more responsibilities.

I became aware of the role I play in NPH and in our
greater society.

I never could have dreamed it would happen, but I
graduated from high school.

This is one of the greatest celebrations of my life.

I felt proud.

Everyone I cared for was there to see it.

My future was looking up.

Maria Teresa, my sister, got her High school degree and
moved out of NPH. My two cousins left NPH and started their own family.

Only myself still in NPH.

After seeing what happened with my sister and cousins, both
leaving NPH, I was going to stay with NPH.

I could see that people who leave often don’t realize
their own potential.

I realized what I wanted, where I want to go, and NPH would
help me with that journey.

When I finish my year here in Seattle, I plan to move
onto my next dream, university and an advanced degree. My interests are
criminology, electrical engineering or even going to Haiti to learn about
disaster relief.Right now, I can’t
decide so I’ll just figure it out next year when I go home.

In addition, I want to find a way to return my services
to NPH.

I have been blessed with the opportunity of a lifetime,
maybe even 2 lifetimes… given my
situation.The understanding and
willingness shown to me only reinforces in me the NPH way.

To all of you, from me,

and on behalf of my fellow leadership
students and all my brothers and sisters in NPH,

thank
you
for your support.

You make all this
possible.

If you have any questions, feel free to talk
with me or one of the leadership students.